The future of the construction industry today is shaped not only by innovative technologies, but also by the knowledge and expertise of the professionals behind them. For WEST HUNGÁRIA BAU Kft., therefore, education and ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals is not merely an HR issue, but part of a carefully crafted, long-term strategy. The company’s guiding principle is that the key to competitiveness lies in professionals with up-to-date, practical knowledge—and achieving this begins at the educational level. For WHB, however, it is not only important to train the professionals of the future but also to make careers in the construction industry attractive in and of themselves. The company’s primary goal is to show as many young people as possible the career opportunities available in the sector, the professional challenges offered by modern technologies, and the diverse career paths that the construction industry can provide for future generations.
University Collaboration – Integrating Knowledge and Practice
The collaboration between WHB and Széchenyi István University serves as an exemplary model of how theoretical education and industry practice can be effectively combined. Within the framework of the dual education system, students work in real-world project environments even while they are still in school, thereby gaining not only knowledge but also practical experience.
This model ensures that young people do not encounter the working world “later on,” but rather come to understand its workings, pace, and expectations during their college years. Through active participation in WHB projects, students develop complex technical, organizational, and collaborative skills.
Internship Program – Rapid Integration, Real Responsibility
WHB’s internship program is based on the dual education system and is specifically designed to support the integration of new graduates. The goal is not simply to gain experience, but for young people to become an integral part of the company.
Interns work on real tasks, are integrated into teams, and receive ongoing professional support—which helps them develop the professional independence and sense of responsibility that are essential for their future career development.
For WHB, the program creates dual value: as young people learn, they bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the organization, strengthening its dynamism and adaptability.
ÉRKK – An Industry-Wide Response to Challenges
WHB has taken cooperation to the next level and, by establishing the Regional Training Center for the Construction Industry, has institutionalized knowledge development. The ÉRKK’s goal is to provide a state-of-the-art infrastructure and professional framework for training programs and to elevate the dual education model to a new level.
One of the center’s most important missions is to connect education, industry, and research and development activities, while ensuring that training content keeps pace with the rapidly changing technological environment.
The ÉRKK is not merely a training facility, but a knowledge center and professional platform that contributes in the long term to strengthening the competitiveness of the construction industry and alleviating the shortage of skilled workers.
The company is convinced that training the next generation does not begin during college years, but rather during the career choice phase. To this end, WHB actively participates in promoting construction trades and, in collaboration with educational institutions and professional organizations, introduces young people to the sector’s development opportunities, innovations, and long-term career paths.
“We must build the professionals of the future today”
“Today, true competitive advantage lies not solely in technology, but in the people who are able to apply it effectively. It is therefore of paramount importance for us to take an active role at the educational level and impart knowledge that can be immediately applied in practice.
Dual training programs, internship programs, and ÉRKK together form a system that not only trains professionals but also gives young people a vision for their future in the construction industry.”
—Eszter Várady, HR Manager
More Than Just Education: Long-Term Development
WHB’s educational strategy is a comprehensive system that ensures continuity in professional development, from secondary and higher education to corporate integration. The approach reflected in dual training, internship programs, and the operations of the ÉRKK looks beyond the present: it outlines a career model for the construction industry that offers a real alternative for future generations.
WHB is convinced that the construction industry of the future will be based not only on modern technologies but also on well-prepared, motivated, and committed professionals—and the foundations for this must be laid today, through education.
